Album Review

I've Had It: The Very Best of the Bell Notes contains 18 tracks from the Northeastern rock & roll quintet from the late '50s. All of the group's singles for Time Records have been included on this collection, along with several songs that have never appeared on CD. For hardcore collectors of '50s party rock & roll, there are some cool cuts here, but for most listeners, this will be a curiosity barely worth exploring.

Biography

Formed: Long Island, NY

Genre: Pop

Years Active: '50s

The Bell Notes may not know it but they inspired Ray Tabano and Steven Tyler, who rocked with Aerosmith. At 14, the two frequented Tabano's father's bar in the Bronx and commanded the stage when the regular band took a break. The Bell Notes "I've Had It" was a staple of their impromptu act. The Long Island band consisted of Carl Bonura (lead, vocals, sax), John Casey (drums), Ray Ceroni (lead, vocals, guitar), Lenny Giambalvo (bass), and Peter Kane (piano). They signed with Time Records and hit with...